Body of kayaker recovered in the Catawba River near Charlotte-area dam
Emergency crews recovered the body of a kayaker on Oct. 23 who was reported missing Sunday in the Catawba River near Cowans Ford Dam, officials said.
Pablo Benitez Neri, 45, of Lincolnton, and a friend were fishing in separate craft Sunday when the friend said he saw Neri’s kayak overturn, Lincoln County spokeswoman Vanessa Leon said in a statement earlier Thursday.
Neri wasn’t wearing a life jacket, the friend told emergency responders, Leon said.
Neri was recovered just after 7:30 p.m. in the river near the dam, Leon said in a statement Friday. The dam is on the Lincoln-Mecklenburg county line.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Neri’s family and friends during this difficult time.,” Leon said.
East Lincoln Fire Department responders began the search around 5:30 p.m. Rescue boats were launched, but severe weather suspended the effort Sunday night, Leon said. The search resumed Monday morning and has continued each day since, she said.
Responders used sonar, aerial drones, a State Bureau of Investigation cadaver dog and a remote operations vehicle. They also searched the shoreline.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the agencies involved in assisting in the search for Mr. Neri,” according to the statement.
Also helping were Lincoln County Emergency Management; the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; the Lincoln County Swiftwater Team; N.C. Wildlife officers; the Denver, Mt. Holly, Huntersville and Cornelius fire departments; Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department; Sherrill’s Ford Fire and Rescue; and the SBI.
This story was originally published October 21, 2025 at 12:57 PM.